In a first of sorts, superstar ​Aamir Khan has made Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People of 2013.

Khan, 48, won praise from composer A.R. Rahman, who said "he had been chosen for using his influence to raise social awareness in India."

"In a world of false diplomacy and evasiveness, Aamir is a straightforward man," said Rahman noting, "He uses his gifts as a charmer to give his audience the most bitter medicine. Hypnotised, we take it without complaint."

"Aamir has started a movement that will help change the world in which Indians live. Jai ho!" adds the Academy Award-winning composer.

Rahman was referring to Khan's involvement in and production of the television programme Satyamev Jayate - a show that created an international presence and one that examined social and economic issues like female foeticide and medical malpractices.

Khan also features on one of the seven special edition covers of the 2013 Time 100 issue, and was described as a 'pioneer', a film star and an activist.

The Time 100 list also includes "leaders" Barack Obama and Pope Francis, "pioneer" Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, "titans" Jay-Z and Sheryl Sandberg, "icons" Malala Yousafzai, Aung San Suu Kyi, Michelle Obama, Daniel Day-Lewis, Justin Timberlake and Kate Middleton, and "artists" Jennifer Lawrence and Steven Spielberg.

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